How to Propagate Zygocactus

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Zygocacti are among the unusual cactus family members commonly referred to as the holiday cacti. They are commonly sold in stores around Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and come with a wide range of brightly colored blooms. These cacti are different from the well-known desert cactus, often originating in tropical areas and growing as epiphytes loosely attached to trees. Because of their unusual growth habit, segments root readily during spring in any moist medium -- they make wonderful gifts for plant-loving friends and family.

1

Remove a section 2 to 5 segments long from the end of a zygocactus branch by grasping it firmly and twisting. Pull upward to detach the section from the plant. Treat the section with a commercial fungicide and allow the wound to scab overnight.

2

Fill a small pot with a sterilized soil-less seed-starting medium. (You could also use sand or perlite in a pinch.) Drench the medium with water and allow itto drain. Repeat the drenching and check below the surface to ensure that the medium has absorbed plenty of water -- it should be slightly dark and moist to the touch.

3

Dust the bottom of your zygocactus cutting with rooting hormone. Gently push the section into the soil-less medium until the entire first segment is below the top of the soil. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to raise the humidity level in the pot and encourage rooting. Place the pot in a location with bright, filtered light.

4

Check your zygocactus cutting regularly to ensure it does not dry out. Watch for new growth to appear within four weeks of planting. Remove the bag when it is clear that the zygocactus section has rooted.

Things You Will Need

General purpose fungicide

Small pot

Soil-less seed-starting mixture

Rooting hormone

Clear plastic bag

Tip

Once the plant is established, cut back on the watering. Water the established zygocactus deeply when it is dry but before the soil hardens into a clump.

About the Author

Kristi Waterworth started her writing career in 1995 as a journalist for a local newspaper. From there, her meandering career path led to a 9 1/2 year stint in the real estate industry. Since 2010, she's written on a wide range of personal finance topics. Waterworth received a Bachelor of Arts in American history from Columbia College.